View Full Version : UK weekend break
Hi all
I've got a long weekend off work at the end of the month, so thinking about going away for the weekend. I haven't got a passport at the moment (thanks passport office for losing it when i sent it back for renewal) so it will be somewhere UK.
However, I don't really know where to go.... I'm thinking about Scotland, as i've never been there, but kind of stuck for inspiration!! Haven't got a massive budget- About £500 for two of us, and i'm willing to drive somewhere, fly and hire a car depending on the location.
Has anyone got any recommendations for UK locations for a nice weekend away?
TIA
TheDaddy
06-09-2007, 19:06
A friend of mine and his wife go camping in the New Forrest regularly, if that's not for you there are some cheap hotels and guest houses here
http://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?aid=303948;label=region-new-forest-gb-_xYaqQ0skQydumouG4MLaQS846972321;sid=f28d51690ff89 b0d272e651144b184b0;region=2936
Or if you fancy the tent option this one might help
http://www.newforest-online.co.uk/new-forest-campsites-caravan.asp
Raistlin
06-09-2007, 19:08
How about a nice self-catering cottage in Cornwall?
mrmistoffelees
06-09-2007, 19:08
Had a friend who visted The Pierhouse on the west coast of scotland and thought it was fantastic
heres the linky..... http://www.pierhousehotel.co.uk/
Also...
The northumberland coastline is fantastic, Bamburgh castle is gorgeous as is Holy Island
I can heartily recommend my neck of the woods ... Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. Adbsolutely beautiful and plenty of B&B accommodation to be had. You can fly into Glasgow and hire a car.
Come into GLA with Easyjet though, not Prestwick/Ryanair, it's miles to the south of the city.
This is the tourist board website for west central Scotland: http://www.visitscottishheartlands.com/
Be sure to call in for a cuppa if you're passing. ;)
Are you looking at a city break or something more rural?
How about a nice self-catering cottage in Cornwall?
I was thinking about a static caravan in or around Newquay as a possibility, but I have been to Cornwall (twice) before so would quite like to go somewhere different
Had a friend who visted The Pierhouse on the west coast of scotland and thought it was fantastic
heres the linky..... http://www.pierhousehotel.co.uk/
Also...
The northumberland coastline is fantastic, Bamburgh castle is gorgeous as is Holy Island
The Pierhouse looks really nice... however is there anything else to do in that area? Can't say i'm familiar with Scotland!
I can heartily recommend my neck of the woods ... Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. Adbsolutely beautiful and plenty of B&B accommodation to be had. You can fly into Glasgow and hire a car.
Come into GLA with Easyjet though, not Prestwick/Ryanair, it's miles to the south of the city.
This is the tourist board website for west central Scotland: http://www.visitscottishheartlands.com/
Be sure to call in for a cuppa if you're passing. ;)
Hmm thanks shall investigate. I was thinking about Edinburgh as it would be a little less rural, however the weekend i'd be going there is rugby at Murrayfield, so hotels are scarse and flights are expensive... Will investigate west scotland further.
Are you looking at a city break or something more rural?
I'm not sure really, somewhere that has a few things to do within travelling distance, but this doesn't necessarily mean it has to be a city break.
mrmistoffelees
06-09-2007, 19:26
Can't say I have much knowledge on the activites side of things, but it's near Oban so im guessing not to far from a ferry across to the islands ?
There might be an activities guide of some sort on the site ?
Can't say I have much knowledge on the activites side of things, but it's near Oban so im guessing not to far from a ferry across to the islands ?
There might be an activities guide of some sort on the site ?
Oban's way too far north for a long weekend, especially if you're driving from the Airport ... about 2 and a half hours, could easily be worse if you're unlucky with the traffic as it's single carriageway almost the whole way.
mrmistoffelees
06-09-2007, 19:40
Oban's way too far north for a long weekend, especially if you're driving from the Airport ... about 2 and a half hours, could easily be worse if you're unlucky with the traffic as it's single carriageway almost the whole way.
ah well, thats that idea up the swanny then !
I keep meaning to go to that hotel, it's meant to be the badgers nadgers.
For the other Chris, have you thought about the Lake District ?
Have thought about the lake district, but it doesn't appeal some how.
How about basing myself in Glasgow? and spending some time in the city and then perhaps a day somewhere a little more rural... is there anywhere near glasgow that will be good for a day out?
SMHarman
06-09-2007, 19:56
Have thought about the lake district, but it doesn't appeal some how.
How about basing myself in Glasgow? and spending some time in the city and then perhaps a day somewhere a little more rural... is there anywhere near glasgow that will be good for a day out?
http://www.glasgowmuseums.com/venue/index.cfm?venueid=1
Missus and I have just came back from Oban (West coast of Scotland). We stayed at this place: Dunheanish (http://guide.visitscotland.com/vs/guide/5,en,SCH1/objectId,ACC62624Svs,curr,GBP,season,at1,selectedE ntry,home/home.html) and it was absolutely brilliant. Really great value for money, and William and Linda who run it were absolutely fantastic. The views over the harbour were breath-taking. Won't say the price as it was a treat for the missus (if you wanna know, PM me or check the website), but you'll easily get change out 500 quid if you drive (or get reasonable trains), have the four-poster bed room for 2 nights, plus a fair bit of spending money.
Driving wasn't too bad (about 10 hours each way, which isn't as bad as it sounds) and only cost about 120-odd quid for the both of us, otherwise, you can get the train to Glasgow, and then onto Oban.
If you go, tell them that the missus and I sent you :)
Wicked_and_Crazy
06-09-2007, 20:08
Have thought about the lake district, but it doesn't appeal some how.
How about basing myself in Glasgow? and spending some time in the city and then perhaps a day somewhere a little more rural... is there anywhere near glasgow that will be good for a day out?
We did 3 nights in Glasgow at Easter. Theres plenty to see and do for 3 days. People were friendly, good pubs, good restaurants, good shopping.
We stayed at Langs, booked it through superbreaks i think, we bought a package with return train travel from London to Glasgow cost about £36 if i remember correctly. We then upgraded on the train to first class and sat sipping champagne and eating strawberries on the way up there. I'd recommend the train over lost cost flights as the station is in the centre of Glasgow unlike Prestwick Airport
SMHarman
06-09-2007, 20:22
I've always wanted to visit this building. You can stay in it now as it is part of landmark trust.
http://www.rampantscotland.com/visit/blvisitdunmore.htm
Missus and I have just came back from Oban (West coast of Scotland). We stayed at this place: Dunheanish (http://guide.visitscotland.com/vs/guide/5,en,SCH1/objectId,ACC62624Svs,curr,GBP,season,at1,selectedE ntry,home/home.html) and it was absolutely brilliant. Really great value for money, and William and Linda who run it were absolutely fantastic. The views over the harbour were breath-taking. Won't say the price as it was a treat for the missus (if you wanna know, PM me or check the website), but you'll easily get change out 500 quid if you drive (or get reasonable trains), have the four-poster bed room for 2 nights, plus a fair bit of spending money.
Driving wasn't too bad (about 10 hours each way, which isn't as bad as it sounds) and only cost about 120-odd quid for the both of us, otherwise, you can get the train to Glasgow, and then onto Oban.
If you go, tell them that the missus and I sent you :)
Thanks :tu: looks like a really good place :) It's less than 9 hours drive from here, although i'm not sure if she will put up with my driving for that long (apparently i drive like a boy racer!!).
Will see what mrs says, and then make the phone call tomorrow to see what availability is like. :tu:
Have thought about the lake district, but it doesn't appeal some how.
How about basing myself in Glasgow? and spending some time in the city and then perhaps a day somewhere a little more rural... is there anywhere near glasgow that will be good for a day out?
:tu:
The Kelvingrove (http://www.glasgowmuseums.com/venue/index.cfm?venueid=4) is a must if you're in Glasgow - it's the most unusual museul you'll ever visit, but it's an absolute joy. It's just had a major refurb as well. It has Salvador Dali's Christ of St John of the Cross, a stuffed elephant called Sir Roger, and a Spitfire suspended from the ceiling by wires. Absolutely breathtaking.
The Transport Museum (http://www.glasgowmuseums.com/venue/index.cfm?venueid=7) is also just across the road from there. You can also take a walk in Deacon Blue's shoes, 'arm in arm down sheltered Kelvin Way'. :D
Your missus will love the shopping - Buchanan Street and the surrounding area (http://www.glasgowguide.co.uk/shops-thelist.html) is very highly rated and on some measures is the best shopping in the UK outside central London.
And for a day out, you could take a train thorugh to (cough, choke) Edinburgh or even Stirling - both have very impressive castles - or you could drive up to Great Britain's largest body of inland water, Loch Lomond ... 22 miles of stunning scenery, peaceful water and unspoilt islands. Take a cruise from Balloch (http://www.sweeney.uk.com/), drop into the visitor centre, Sea Life Centre and shopping at Loch Lomond Shores (http://www.lochlomondshores.com/), head up the western side of the Loch to Luss (http://www.loch-lomond.net/villages/luss/luss.html), a traditional village that was the setting for Take the High Road and is home to just about the best tea room you will ever experience - The Coach House (http://www.taste-of-scotland.com/members/coach_house.html).
If you want to head in the other direction, Kelburn Country Park (http://www.kelburncountrycentre.com/) on the Ayrshire coast to the southwest of Glasgow is worth a visit - the house at the heart of the estate has temporarily been transformed into one huge piece of public art by a group of Brazilian grafitti artists (you have to see it to believe it). Its Secret Forest is also fun. Nearby is the seaside town of Largs. You can get as far as Largs (http://www.largsonline.co.uk/index.php) by train but a car would be very useful if you wanted to go to Kelburn.
If you want to say you visited a real Scottish island, take the ten-minute ferry trip from Largs to Millport (http://www.millport.org/). Millport is a traditional day out for many west of Scotland folk and 'the done thing' is to hire a bike and cycle round the coastline - just under 11 miles, and there's a nice cafe about half way round.
DocDutch
07-09-2007, 10:41
chris_w what ever you are going to do you wont be able to do it flying. all airlines want passport even if its for in the UK.
I wouldnt mind going to the lake district for a long weekend. or saying that scotland but that would be a long drive.
Not true - Easyjet accepts a photo driving licence.
http://www.easyjet.com/EN/Book/regulations.html
As do flybe as they have taken my photo driving license frequently in the past few months.
I haven't been for a few years but the Trossachs area of Scotland is lovely.
How about Jersey?
You can fly from Southampton, or get the ferry from Poole/Weymouth.
How about Jersey?
You can fly from Southampton, or get the ferry from Poole/Weymouth.
We went there for our wedding anniversary. Stayed here (http://www.jerseyhols.com/content/view/23/47/) and had a meal in their Michelin starred restaurant. You couldn't do that on a £500 budget though. Nevertheless, Jeresy was lovely. :tu:
DocDutch
07-09-2007, 11:34
daniel and you came back from that??? I wouldnt
daniel and you came back from that??? I wouldnt
We needed to get a new suitcase of cash :eek:
SMHarman
07-09-2007, 14:24
chris_w what ever you are going to do you wont be able to do it flying. all airlines want passport even if its for in the UK.
I wouldnt mind going to the lake district for a long weekend. or saying that scotland but that would be a long drive.Driving licence is fine on easyjet. I flew Stansted to Belfast with just the photo card part of my drivers licence needed at checkin etc.
Even the crazy RyanAir accept them
http://www.ryanair.com/site/EN/conditions.php?pos=MYFLIGHT [documentation section]
A valid driving licence with photo is ONLY acceptable photo ID for travel on domestic flights within the UK and domestic flights within the Republic of Ireland.
Well the hotel Gav recommended is fully booked :( boo :(
Mr T are you sure you don't work for the Scottish Tourism Board :p: Thanks for the info!
I think i've made my mind up about the area now, so now it is just a matter of trying to find a hotel that is as nice as the one Gav found....
I don't think i'd fly anyway- 9 hours driving wouldn't really bother me, at least i can smoke in my car :p: :angel:
---------- Post added at 21:15 ---------- Previous post was at 21:13 ----------
How about Jersey?
You can fly from Southampton, or get the ferry from Poole/Weymouth.
I've been there before (twice to Jersey and twice to Guernsey in fact) i'm looking for somewhere different.
Well the hotel Gav recommended is fully booked :( boo :(
Mr T are you sure you don't work for the Scottish Tourism Board :p: Thanks for the info!
I think i've made my mind up about the area now, so now it is just a matter of trying to find a hotel that is as nice as the one Gav found....
I don't think i'd fly anyway- 9 hours driving wouldn't really bother me, at least i can smoke in my car :p: :angel:
Shame Dunheanish was gone. I was going to go for this one (http://www.thornloeoban.co.uk) before I went with Dunheanish though if its any use. Similar place (style, four-poster bed, etc) and in a similar position in Oban.
Visit Scotland (http://www.visitscotland.com/) website is your friend :)
Shame Dunheanish was gone. I was going to go for this one (http://www.thornloeoban.co.uk) before I went with Dunheanish though if its any use. Similar place (style, four-poster bed, etc) and in a similar position in Oban.
Visit Scotland (http://www.visitscotland.com/) website is your friend :)
That one was booked as well, but found Hawthornbank Guest House which looks very nice... now all booked :) Better tell her so she can start packing :p:
Are you spending the entire holiday in Oban, or travelling around?
Are you spending the entire holiday in Oban, or travelling around?
not sure yet... I've been doing some research and may run out of things to do in Oban for 4 days.
Possibly a trip over to Mull for a day, and depending on how much there is to do in the local area a day trip to Glasgow isn't out of the question.
Any particular recommendations?
I don't know the area round Oban too well. Just be aware that if you have islands in mind, the ferries are *very* expensive, especially if you take a car, and think about how much time you might spend travelling rather than being where you want to be.
I think you could get up to Fort William easily enough from there.
For Glasgow, check out the links in my earlier post. You won't be stuck for stuff to do if you come here.
The ferries as pedestrians wasn't too bad. It was only 7 quid each return from Oban to Mull (where Balmory is filmed). To take the car, its 35 quid. The other islands weren't too much different in price. The advantage of taking your car is that you aren't constrained to the port, as the Craignure port is very small. One shop, one pub, a small model railway, and something they called a castle but i'd say is more of a stately home. I'd guess the views driving would be awesome, but we only went as pedestrians.
The ferry was great, very comfortable, and was 45 mins from Oban to Mull. If you want to go by car, i'd seriously recommend pre-booking as it gets very busy for vehicles, and you don't want to miss the last ferry and be stuck on the island :) For pedestrians, its fine though.
You can see more info on the ferry here: Caledonian MacBrayne (http://www.calmac.co.uk)
Well I got back from Oban yesterday...
It was a long long drive to get there, but it was well worth it... didn't actually do a lot at all in the 4 days we were there but it was a fantastic place to go for a quiet weekend away. Swimming in the sea was a bit cold though.
Highly recommended as a destination for anyone who wants real peace and tranquility :tu:
Thanks to all who offered advice... Especially Gavin for recommending Oban :)
No worries mate, glad you enjoyed it...
Swimming in the sea? :nutter: Where abouts did you swim?
No worries mate, glad you enjoyed it...
Swimming in the sea? :nutter: Where abouts did you swim?
At the "beach" just to the north of the town centre. A few passers by did take photos of me... and after i climbed out blue and shivering a passing fisherman informed me that the sea temperature was 8 degrees. Probably explained why i couldn't feel my hands, feet, legs, arms, body...
The whisky warmed me up quite quickly though :p:
At the "beach" just to the north of the town centre. A few passers by did take photos of me... and after i climbed out blue and shivering a passing fisherman informed me that the sea temperature was 8 degrees. Probably explained why i couldn't feel my hands, feet, legs, arms, body...
The whisky warmed me up quite quickly though :p:
:eek: :eek: You're mental (but nice with it :D ) :shocking: :spin: :nutter: :omg:
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